Saturday, January 18, 2025
Last Saturday’s 10-race card at Tampa Bay Downs produced total wagering handle of $8,279,255, by far the largest of the meet, which started Nov. 20.
The previous best was Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, when a nine-race card generated $6,054,252 in betting handle.
Numerous factors contributed to Saturday’s excellent handle, which included $7,684,000 in interstate simulcast wagering. In addition to the Pasco Stakes for 3-year-olds, the card included two other stakes, the Gasparilla and the Wayward Lass. The seven non-stakes races offered total purse money of $310,500, attracting 65 entrants.
Tampa Bay Downs also benefited from several track closures around the country. Santa Anita in Southern California was closed to accommodate thousands of residents displaced by the region’s wildfires, an influx that included people in need of supplies and those eager to donate. Santa Anita has been closed for racing since Friday.
Severe winter weather forced the cancellation of racing at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas and Turfway Park in Kentucky.
Track officials hope the Oldsmar oval’s exciting day of racing, which was televised on the Fox Sports 1 network, will help build momentum for the second third of the meet, which includes the Festival Preview Day card on Feb. 8.
Average field size has remained steady at 8.4 horses a race, so the optimism appears well-placed.
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